V. IRENE. The Thank You and paying it forward.

Sunday night I had to admit defeat. I knew that I would not be able to remove the trees and fix the fencing in the llama paddocks alone. We had no power, but I put a message on Facebook via my cell phone:

Sunday, 7:48 p.m. via Blackberry

“I know I don’t usually ask…but would love help tomorrow. just help with branches would be great. last two trees down are black locust…poisonous I believe if enough consumed. crazy llamas love the leaves. chainsaws welcome. xo”

Monday morning, help arrived.

My brother, Jack.

I had been up since 4:30 to make sure there was no more damage…on my third or fourth trip to the barn about 7 a.m. – the llamas were still all locked in, I saw a car in the driveway. Lover of Ella-boo and a special part of this place, the wonderful Deb M. had arrived! With bagels and muffins, such an angel!

My brother, Jack, builder of the Beast Barn – confirmed indestructible by the tree that hit it and rolled off, came next. Master of all things machinery and landscape…..ahhhh – with his arrival, I knew all would be put back together just fine.

My friend, Butch, came…he was having his own tough time with flooding at his place….and still he came. Butch is cool, “What can I do, Ter?” I love that he calls me that, just like my brother does. Thank you to Butch’s friend, Dave, who stopped by just in time to help with the fencing…not that it was his original plan…

Cam…Outdoor gal, strong and focused….chef extraordinaire – I love that she picks berries here and makes preserves! She knows farm animals and is great with the llamas…she worked it.

Emerson – A friend and a lover of chickens and goats. He is Jen Smith’s brother (T.U. AustinBenConnor blog), and that is how I met him way back when. He brought a CHAINSAW too! He was mad good with that thing!

And Linda G. – I hadn’t seen her in awhile and when Ms. Svelte came to the barn door, she realized I was trying to figure out who she was. Linda radiates white light and spirituality that is so soothing and so loving I could just melt in it. Having her come to help was the sweetest surprise.

Debb G. – The smartest person I know and adored by me and Mokey. She always has a plan and I love how she thinks. Rake in quadrants…get those locust leaves up! Debb is seriously good people.

And the husband…workin’ it all the day haulin’ logs and all the rest.

By 1:30…the place was put back together and the llamas were let out of the barn.

I was humbled and in awe. Grateful isn’t a big enough word. But, they know…I think, how much their hard work means to me…to this place.

My friend, in llamas and life, Lisa, had to work all day but came after work and raked and raked and raked. She must have been so tired and it was when she was there that I finally broke down exhausted, overwhelmed, and grateful…and she held me and let me cry.

And many more sent me thoughtful notes and wanted to be sure the animals and I were okay.

To all of my friends – those who came and those who sent me such nice thoughts – I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you so very much for all the help. I appreciate it more than words can say. I will continue to help others and pay it forward. You are my inspiration.

On one level I feel bad that I was 3,000 miles away as this all unfolded, this cruel act of nature that damaged the property of many that I know and that took the life of one.

On a higher and better level, it was a joyful thing to learn that so many good people came together to help one another out at a time like this, most especially to help set things right at one of the most special places I know of.

Even if I had’t been on vacation Monday, I would not have been at work. There was something more important that would have commanded my attention that morning!

Terri, so glad to find out that you and yours are okay! My net was down until last night so I couldn’t check. We only lost one tree that was already weak. Got a generator Friday night so we could keep all three of our sump pumps working. Exhausting couple of days and obviously moreso for you since you have so many animals to protect. Now that most things are back in working order here (ingoring that check engine light on my car), I can get back to what I was doing before the storm hit. You hear that sound? Why, I do believe it’s wedding bells!

Patty – So many people are helping and organizing things that to be honest, I’ve lost track. One solid thing I do know is that Dan at Altamont Agway (he is from Schoharie) is – as of this morning – accepting donations to pay for food for Schoharie farmers in need. That’s where my money is going. The phone number is 861-8061, that store is right off Main Street (across from Stewarts) in the Village.
I just called them to confirm it.

Hi guys! I have been posting on other websites also. Most people this way out in Albany have no idea how hard Montgomery County was hit. Many farms and families also lost everything out there. Hundreds of people are still displaced and lots their homes. And sadly, Montgomery County, along with Rensselear county, has been left out of the FEMA program. I know for many Montgomery county seems far away and off the map, but many residents, a majority actually, commute out this way for work. Any help is greatly appreciated. If FEMA doesnt come through they must all start from scratch. Not to mention a farmer lost his life trying to check on his business.
Collections are being taken for these families at the Charleston Fire Department
Corner of East Lykers Rd. and Rt. 162
Charleston Four Corners
and the Fulmont Community Action Agency at Riverfront Center
Amsterdam, NY 12010 W.I.C.
Community Services 842-5336
and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce also in the Riverfront Center. Phone number 842-8200.

Please tell the farmers and citizens who lost everything that they matter and are not forgotten! Not many news outlets have been covering the area.
Thank you!

Can I have some advice please? I was shocked tonight to see that people less than 3 miles from me were using giant trash containers because their homes had been flooded–something I have not seen in the decades I have lived in this area. Instead of giving to some central org like the Red Cross, would it make any sense to take an envelope of cash and drop $ off at these homes individually? I feel as though then my contribution is actually going to my neighbors, but maybe that is a dumb idea altogether?

Country-girl — cash is king, but a Wal*Mart gift card might be a good idea too. We did that in our office for a girl who lost her bedroom due to flooding.
I’m impressed with the quick clean-up. I had a tree come down in my yard too. My dad brought over his chainsaw and we were able to cut it up and clear it out in about 3 hours.